Dept. of Labor Rolls Back Independent Contractor Test Rules
The new rules undo the Trump-era independent contractor test, and focus on economic independence as the "ultimate inquiry."
Employment
Hiring, termination, compensation and benefit law, discrimination, privacy, minimum wage, overtime, payday laws, workers’ compensation, worker classification
Part 6 of 6
The Remote Worker and the FLSA
How churches should handle employee classifications and overtime pay as more people work from home.
Part 5 of 6
Title VII and Church Employment Practices
How the Supreme Court’s interpretation of Title VII’s term “sex” affects church employment.
10 Legal and Tax Developments for Churches and Church Staff
Richard Hammar covers what church leaders should know—and anticipate—for the rest of 2022 and into 2023.
Part 3 of 6
Internships: Blessings or Blind Spots?
Here’s how churches can avoid tripping up on important legal, tax, and risk management issues with interns.
Part 4 of 6
The Importance of a Legally Sound Employee Handbook
A handbook not only protects the church and its staff—it also helps create a healthy relationship between employer and employee.
Recommended Reading
Key Employee Issues Unique to Churches—and How to Navigate Them
Several employee issues that are unique to churches can have a material effect on whether a ministry succeeds or fails.
Part 1 of 6
Applying the Ministerial Exception to Church Employees
Understanding this key legal doctrine, how it works, and when it matters—or doesn’t—for specific positions.
Part 2 of 6
Developing Strong Job Descriptions for Employees and Volunteers
Well-crafted job descriptions are critical to each church’s mission and proper functioning.
Read the Latest Update
Key Loan Forgiveness Program Change May Help Church Workers with Student Debt
Education department expands eligibility after 2017 Trinity Lutheran decision—but acceptance is still no certainty.
The Top 10 Articles on Church Law & Tax in 2020
Here’s what interested church leaders the most this past year.
How Thorough Is Our Background Screening Program?
Proper screening costs very little but increases safety a great deal.
Can Churches Dismiss an Employee Without Cause?
Understanding the limitations of "employment at will," and the idea that an employee can leave a job without cause, too.
Do We Follow Sound Employment Practices?
A 12-question checklist to find out.
An Overview of the CARES Act for Churches
Key highlights from the government’s $2.2 trillion stimulus plan responding to COVID-19.
How New FMLA Changes Will Affect Churches During the Coronavirus Outbreak
These temporary provisions affect church leaders throughout 2020.
A Closer Look at New Overtime Rules Taking Effect in 2020
What the Labor Department’s increased minimum salary threshold means for churches.
Employment Dispute Ruling Reinforces Church Decisions about Hiring and Firing
Seventh Circuit: Churches, not courts, should determine ministerial nature of roles.
Can One Church Warn Another of a Former Employee’s Misconduct?
A negative employment reference could create civil liability.
Court Dismisses Pregnancy-Related Lawsuit Brought Against Church
Judge says the facts of the case demonstrate firing was based on religious doctrine.